Indian Navy to Integrate Women Submariners, Says Admiral Tripathi
The Indian Navy, led by Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, announced on December 3, 2025, its active work towards integrating women into submarine crews, describing this move as conquering the “last bastion” of gender inclusion in the service. Following successful gender integration in other roles such as pilots and frontline warships, this initiative marks a significant step in aligning the Navy’s professionalism with global standards, where women have long served on submarines in navies like those of Norway, the US, and Japan. Indian Navy acknowledges unique challenges like space constraints, crew management, and privacy aboard submarines, yet it is preparing infrastructure and policies to overcome these issues, informed by international experiences and Indian cultural context. The aim is to finalize a clear roadmap for women submariners, enhancing operational capabilities while fostering a more inclusive maritime force that meets complex strategic demands. This development complements India’s recent induction of women across various naval ranks and reflects a progressive shift within the Navy’s culture.
